Controversial supermarket plan for Helensburgh waterfront rejected

The council insisted the supermarket aspect of the plan would help the community and leisure elements of the waterfront in the long term, keep local spend in the local economy, and create jobs.

Any decision to dispose of or change the use of the land required the council to consult the local community, which opposed the plan.

Helensburgh Community Council took the step of seeking a judicial review of the waterfront supermarket decision, saying the council had not carried out a fair public consultation selection when choosing preferred developer Forrest Developments.

The Court of Session later dismissed the petition.

Feedback received in the recent consultation said the vacant land should be retained for leisure, tourism, recreation or community use, and said Helensburgh already has sufficient supermarket provision.

Others argued the supermarket would harm local businesses, detract from the waterfront, and damage the town’s overall character.